Omarion Hampton

Omarion Hampton, a second-team All-American after the 2023 season, doesn't have to look far for inspiration in his playing style. “I just want to show that I’m an all-around back, like Christian McCaffrey on Sundays,” Hampton said, referring to the San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back. “I want to catch the ball more, have more receiving yards and get better at pass blocking, because I know that is what they want in the National Football League. Doing that, it will expand my game.” Tar Heels coach Mack Brown said he noticed a transformation. "He's already there," Brown said. "He can catch, he can block and he can run. "I think the comparisons are accurate." Hampton was fifth in the nation in rushing in 2023 with 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. “Last year I wouldn’t let him come out of the game,” Brown said. “(Running backs coach) Larry Porter would be on the sideline saying, ‘OK, Omarion...,' and I would say, ‘No, leave him in.’ Porter would say, ‘But we’re at the 20,' and I would say: 'He can go 80 (yards), and the others can’t.’”